14 Best Espresso Cocktails

Espresso cocktails bring together the best of both worlds: the kick of coffee and the smoothness of alcohol. In this guide, you’ll find 14 delicious recipes that expertly pair bold espresso with rich spirits. Let these recipes show you how to combine two of your favorite things for an unforgettable drinking experience.

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of espresso and vodka. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz fresh espresso (or cold brew concentrate)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• 3 coffee beans for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the ingredients:

• Brew a strong espresso and let it cool.
• Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

Combine the ingredients:

• Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup into the shaker.

Shake:

• Vigorously shake the mixture until the outside of the shaker is very frosty.

Strain and serve:

• Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with three coffee beans on top.

For a smoother cocktail, you can use store-bought cold brew concentrate. This also eliminates the need for an espresso machine.

Black Russian

The Black Russian is a straightforward yet robust espresso cocktail. Created by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops in the late 1940s, it exudes a classic appeal.

Ingredients

• 2 fl oz. vodka
• 3/4 fl oz. coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Galliano Espresso)

Instructions

• Fill an old-fashioned or rocks glass with ice.
• Pour in 2 fl oz. of vodka.
• Add 3/4 fl oz. of coffee liqueur.
• Stir gently with a stir stick until well chilled.

This two-ingredient cocktail remains a favorite for its simplicity. The vodka offers strength, while the coffee liqueur adds sweetness and depth. The Black Russian is a quick and easy drink, perfect for any occasion.

White Russian

The White Russian is a classic cocktail for coffee lovers. It’s creamy, robust, and slightly sweet. This cocktail combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Chill an 8-ounce rocks glass. Fill it halfway with ice cubes.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add vodka and coffee liqueur to the glass.
3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream.
4. Stir: Gently stir to create a swirl effect. For a solid color, stir vigorously.

For an extra twist, use coffee ice cubes to keep the drink bold without diluting it.

Tips:

• Pro Tip: Use freshly brewed coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes to avoid diluting your drink as it melts.
• Stirring Technique: Gently stir to maintain a creamy swirl or stir vigorously for a uniform mix.

Espresso Old Fashioned

The Espresso Old Fashioned combines the classic Old Fashioned with a robust espresso twist. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors, perfect for coffee and whiskey lovers.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz Freshly Brewed Espresso (cooled)
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup or Brown Sugar Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Chocolate Bitters (optional)
• Orange Peel (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a strong shot of espresso. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mixing: In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, cooled espresso, simple syrup, and bitters.
3. Shake: Add ice to the shaker. Shake well for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink to release its oils. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass.

Tips

• Use quality espresso beans for the best flavor.
• Adjust the syrup amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Try different bitters to see which you like best.

Espresso Negroni

The Espresso Negroni combines the richness of espresso with the classic Negroni ingredients: gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This cocktail offers a unique and refreshing experience, blending caffeinated boldness with a bittersweet harmony.

Ingredients:

• 1 fl oz gin
• 1 fl oz sweet vermouth
• 1 fl oz Campari
• 1/3 fl oz espresso coffee liqueur or fresh espresso

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and espresso coffee liqueur (or fresh espresso).
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Strain into an ice-filled glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist for an added citrus aroma.

You can infuse sweetness into the Campari using espresso beans:

• 3 Tbsp cracked espresso beans
• 1 cup Campari

Infusion Method:

1. Combine the cracked espresso beans and Campari in a jar.
2. Let the mixture steep for 24 hours.
3. Strain out the beans after steeping.

Espresso Margarita

The Espresso Margarita combines the classic elements of a margarita with the bold, rich flavor of espresso. It’s a refreshing twist sure to please coffee and cocktail lovers alike.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila reposado
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 0.5 oz Kahlua
• 0.5 oz agave syrup
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel or coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

1. Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
3. Add 2 oz of tequila reposado, 1 oz of espresso, 0.75 oz of lime juice, 0.5 oz of Kahlua, and 0.5 oz of agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled margarita glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or a few coffee beans.

The addition of espresso creates a unique flavor profile. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the Kahlua and agave syrup. The lime juice gives it a refreshing citrus twist.

Irish Espresso

Irish Espresso is a delightful take on the classic espresso martini. This twist incorporates rich Irish whiskey and creamy Baileys. It adds a smooth, luxurious dimension to the traditional cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, Baileys, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-combined and chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Spoon any froth from the shaker onto the top of the cocktail.
6. Garnish with coffee beans if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Coffee Liqueur And Tonic

Coffee liqueur and tonic water create a refreshing combination. This cocktail balances the rich flavors of the coffee with the sparkling effervescence of the tonic. The union of these two ingredients results in a drink that is both stimulating and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 4 oz tonic water
• Ice
• Optional: fresh herbs or citrus zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour the coffee liqueur over the ice.
3. Slowly add the tonic water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus zest if desired.

Espresso Sour

The Espresso Sour is a delightful blend of bitter and sweet. It combines the bold taste of espresso with the tangy flavors of a sour cocktail.

This drink brings a refreshing twist to your typical coffee-based beverages.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh espresso
• 1 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brew a fresh espresso shot and let it cool.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the cooled espresso, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Espresso Sour combines the rich flavors of coffee with the tartness of lemon. The result is a well-balanced drink that offers an invigorating experience.

You can experiment by swapping bourbon with different spirits, such as gin or vodka.

Adjust the syrup and lemon to suit your taste preference.

This cocktail works great as an afternoon pick-me-up. Its balance of alcohol and caffeine can perk you up at any time of the day.

Tiramisu Martini

The Tiramisu Martini combines the rich flavors of the classic Italian dessert with the indulgence of a cocktail. This espresso cocktail brings together coffee liqueur, mascarpone, and vanilla vodka for a truly decadent drink.

Ingredients

• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 tbsp mascarpone cheese
• Ice
• Ladyfinger cookies for garnish
• Grated chocolate for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the coffee liqueur, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, and mascarpone cheese.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with ladyfinger cookies and grated chocolate.

This Tiramisu Martini offers a velvety smooth texture with a hint of sweetness, perfect for dessert lovers.

It’s simple to make and a delightful addition to any gathering.

Café Amaretto

Café Amaretto is a delicious alcoholic coffee drink. This cocktail combines the rich flavors of amaretto liqueur and freshly brewed coffee.

It’s an enjoyable treat, perfect for a cozy evening.

To make a Café Amaretto, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces of Amaretto liqueur
• 1 hot cup of freshly brewed coffee
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Brandy (optional, for extra kick)

Instructions:

1. Pour Amaretto: Pour 1.5 ounces of Amaretto into your coffee mug.
2. Add Coffee: Brew a fresh cup of coffee. Pour it over the Amaretto.
3. Mix: Stir the coffee and Amaretto together to blend the flavors.
4. Top with Whipped Cream: If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
5. Optional: Add a bit of brandy for an extra kick.

Enjoy your warm Café Amaretto on a chilly night.

This drink is a perfect combination of sweet and strong. Ideal for those who love a bit of booze in their coffee.

Mocha Martini

The Mocha Martini is a delightful twist on the classic Espresso Martini. This cocktail combines rich coffee flavors with a touch of chocolate, creating a rich, smooth drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur
• Ice cubes
• Chocolate shavings and coffee beans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Chill your martini glass.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
3. Add the vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, espresso, and chocolate liqueur to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
5. Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a few chocolate shavings and 2-3 coffee beans.

Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night, the Mocha Martini is versatile and delightful.

Its mix of coffee and chocolate flavors makes it an ideal indulgence. Go ahead and try it; you won’t be disappointed.

Cold Brew Negroni

The Cold Brew Negroni is a modern twist on a classic cocktail. Adding cold brew coffee to the mix creates a smooth, rich flavor.

This drink is perfect for those who enjoy both coffee and cocktails.

Ingredients

• 1 oz cold-brew-coffee-infused Campari
• 1 oz gin (or aged rum for a twist)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Campari: Infuse Campari with cold brew coffee by filling a jar halfway with coffee and letting it steep for 24 hours.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add the cold-brew Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
3. Stir: Stir until well-chilled.
4. Strain: Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
5. Garnish: Express an orange twist over the drink and drop it into the glass.

Carajillo (Espresso With Licor 43)

A Carajillo is a delightful coffee cocktail that combines the robust flavor of espresso with the sweetness of Licor 43. This Spanish drink offers a perfect blend of coffee and liqueur, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of Licor 43
• 1 ½ ounces of freshly brewed espresso
• Ice cubes
• Old Fashioned glass

Instructions:

1. Pour Licor 43: Start by pouring 2 ounces of Licor 43 into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice cubes.
2. Add Espresso: Brew 1 ½ ounces of espresso.
3. Slowly pour the espresso over the Licor 43.
4. For a layered effect, gently pour the espresso over the back of a spoon.
5. Serve and Stir: Provide a cocktail stirrer alongside the glass.
6. Allow guests to stir the drink before enjoying it.

This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can make a delicious Carajillo at home without any hassle. The combination of espresso and Licor 43 creates a balanced and flavorful cocktail that is both refreshing and invigorating.